About Collette

Terms and Conditions

RESERVATION INFORMATION

Land Rates

Land rates are on a per person, double occupancy unless otherwise noted. Availability of departures at the prices noted in the brochure is limited. Government taxes and fees are additional. For current prices, please see our website at www.gocollette.com. Land rates are guaranteed at the time that the deposit is received by Collette.
The land price includes those land based items delineated as included in the package itinerary and does not include any other items such as air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end of trip gratuities for your tour manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.

Payments

Land Package Deposit

A $250 non-refundable deposit is due with your land only reservation.

For Antarctica and Cruises only reservations, a non-refundable $500 deposit is required. An additional $1,000 is due 180 days prior to departure for Antarctica.

Air Inclusive Package Deposit

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due with your air inclusive reservation.

For Antarctica and Cruise air inclusive reservations, a non-refundable $750 deposit is required. An additional $1,000 is due 180 days prior to departure for Antarctica.

Instant Purchase Air

If you have selected Instant Purchase Air, the deposit required is the full cost of the airfare plus a $500 deposit, all of which is non-refundable.

Should you decide to purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you must do so at the time of booking. Payment of this Plan includes the Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver which protects you from penalties in the event you have to cancel your entire tour package for any reason up to the day prior to departure (see Part A for more details). If you originally purchased nonrefundable airline tickets, Part B of the Travel Protection Plan may provide a refund for the airline tickets, taxes, or fees in the event of a cancellation for a covered reason (see Part B for more details).

Final Payment

Unless otherwise noted, the balance is due 60 days before departure on all tours, except cruises. The balance is due 120 days before departure for cruises and Antarctica.

Revision Fees

Upon receipt of your itinerary, you must review it and report any discrepancies to Collette immediately in order to avoid any supplier incurred penalties. A handling fee of $25.00 per transaction will be assessed for any change or revision made to a reservation. A change of departure date within 11 months of the departure date will be treated as a cancellation, and cancellation charges will apply.

Cancellation Charges

Cancellations of confirmed bookings and transfers to new travel dates will result in penalties and fees assessed by travel suppliers. If you need to transfer or cancel for any reason prior to tour departure, the following cancellation fees will be assessed on your land or cruise product. Air is 100% nonrefundable once paid in full. If canceled prior to being paid in full, the following cancellation fees will also apply to air.

More than 60 days prior to departure: a nonrefundable deposit will be retained.

60 - 16 days prior to departure: 30% of total price

15 - 1 day prior to departure: 50% of total price

Day of departure and after: 100% of total price

Exceptions:

Ocean Cruises:

More than 90 days prior to departure, the nonrefundable deposit will be retained.

90 - 61 days prior to departure: 35% of total price

60 - 31 days prior to departure: 60% of total price

30 - 0 days prior to departure: 100% of total price

River Cruises: including Europe, Russia, Egypt and China

More than 90 days prior to departure, the nonrefundable deposit will be retained.

90 - 61 days prior to departure: 50% of total price

60 - 31 days prior to departure: 85% of total price

30 - 0 days prior to departure: 100% of total price

Galapagos & Antarctica:

More than 120 days prior to departure: nonrefundable deposits will be retained

120 - 90 days prior to departure: 60% of total price

89 - 0 days prior to departure: 100% of total price

*
Instant Purchase air and its associated taxes, fees and surcharges are 100% nonrefundable at time of reservation.

Upon cancellation of transportation or travel services where you, the client, are not at fault and have not cancelled in violation of these terms and conditions, you will be refunded 100%.

Airfare

For your convenience, we offer airfare for purchase with all tour packages. If you purchase an air-inclusive program, your airfare will be quoted exclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees. Your rates are subject to change until paid in full. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date.
Instant Purchase nonrefundable airfare includes roundtrip airport/hotel transfers (excluding pre- or post-days and extensions). If you have selected Instant Purchase nonrefundable air, you are required to pay the full air cost in addition to the $250 deposit at time of booking (all of which is nonrefundable). If you purchase the Travel Protection Plan, the Instant Purchase nonrefundable airfare may be covered, if you cancel your trip for a covered reason (see Part B for more details). Tickets will be issued immediately and once issued are nonrefundable; you may only be changed for a fee up to $300 plus any difference in airfare for travel in the following 12 months; specific fees and policies may vary by airline. These tickets include an administration fee and roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers, of which both hold no airline reissue value. Once issued, there can be no fluctuation in price due to an increase in government taxes or in airline fuel surcharges. Therefore, any such fees or airport-to-hotel transfers are not refundable under any circumstances.

Currency

Unless specified otherwise, all statements of or references to dollar amounts in these terms and conditions are to lawful money of Canada.

Proof of Citizenship: Passports & Visas

Documentation is required by foreign governments for all trips outside Canada. Clients/passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate/embassy for entry requirements, including whether you need to obtain a visa before entering your destination country and, if you do need to get a visa, its cost and timing. Please remember that the possession of valid passports and necessary visas are the responsibility of each client/passenger. If you would like assistance in ensuring you have the proper visa(s) for your trip outside of Canada, we would be happy to refer you to a company that can assist you.

Travel Conditions

There may be different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of services and accommodations outside of Canada.

Door to Door Transfer Service

Return door to door transfers are offered up to 100 kilometres from most major Canadian gateways with the purchase of an air-inclusive tour.

Travellers Needing Special Assistance

You must report any disability requiring special attention to Collette at the time your booking is made.* Collette will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. It is strongly recommended that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the assistance. Neither Collette nor its personnel, nor its suppliers, may physically lift or assist clients into transportation vehicles. If a traveller thinks he or she might need assistance during a trip, he or she should call Collette to determine what assistance might reasonably be given. Collette cannot provide special individual assistance to tour members with special needs for walking, dining or other routine activities.

*To request a wheelchair accessible room on a cruise, the traveller or person sharing the room must have a recognized disability that alters a major life function and requires the use of a mobility device and the use of the accessible features provided in the wheelchair accessible stateroom.

Baggage Disclaimer

Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage as carefully as possible, Collette is not responsible for and does not assume liability or accept claims for loss of or damage to luggage due to breakage, theft or wear and tear through airline/airport, hotel and group carrier handling. It is recommended for your own self-interest and protection that you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Check with your sales agent for low-cost insurance to cover these risks.

Checked Baggage Charges:
Some airlines impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Please be advised there is a $25 USD/CAD charge (per piece) for checked baggage on most transborder flights between U.S. & Canada. This is a fee levied by the airlines, not Collette, and may be subject to change.

Holiday and Museum Closures

Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or many religious, state and local holidays observed throughout the world.

Motorcoach Washrooms

Most motorcoaches used on our tours are equipped with washrooms except safari vehicles, exotic locations, and some of our Explorations tours. These are typically for emergency use, as we make plenty of comfort stops, allowing you the opportunity to use public restrooms and/or stretch your legs.

Seat Rotation

Seats are rotated onboard the coach for all Collette tours under the direction of the tour manager. So that we do not show partiality among passengers, exceptions cannot be made.

Maps and Photos

Maps shown on tour pages are current at the time of printing and may not reflect actual tour routing should the tour change. Photos shown on tour pages are reflective of the area(s) visited, but may not be included in the actual tour itinerary and the conditions you experience may be different than depicted in the photograph(s).

Baggage Disclaimer

Although every effort is made to handle passengers’ luggage as carefully as possible, Collette is not responsible for and does not assume liability or accept claims for loss of or damage to luggage due to breakage, theft or wear and tear through airline/airport, hotel and group carrier handling. It is recommended for your own self-interest and protection that you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Check with your sales agent for low-cost insurance to cover these risks. Collette is not responsible for submitting your insurance claim.

There are limitations by coach and air carrier as to the number and size of bags which can be carried onboard and in bulk storage. Be sure to ask your travel professional about such restrictions before departing for your tour.

Checked Baggage Charges: Some airlines impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Please be advised there is a $25 USD/CAD charge (per piece) for checked baggage on most transborder flights between U.S. & Canada. This is a fee levied by the airlines, not Collette, and may be subject to change.

Explanation of Responsibilities and Tour Conditions for Collette

Each client is responsible for proper documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on tour. Please contact your local travel clinic or personal doctor for specific details on the destinations you are travelling to and from. If you decide to make a reservation, you acknowledge and agree that you are physically well enough to travel and understand that medical facilities may not be similar to what you are accustomed to at home. You must bring enough medication with you for the trip. Any person reserving or purchasing any Collette product published in this brochure accepts the condition that Collette reserves to itself the exclusive right to change or cancel itineraries, hotels, and other tour components whenever it is deemed necessary, including for tours designated as “guaranteed departures.”. If this occurs, every effort will be made to offer alternate dates and/or programs. Published times on itineraries are as accurate as possible but subject to change due to traffic, weather, mechanical and any other conditions beyond Collette’s control that prevent Collette from operating as scheduled. Collette expressly disclaims any liability for any damages that may be incurred for any changes, cancellations or delays on any itinerary on any Collette tour.

All rates on foreign tours are subject to fluctuations of currency and may be changed when necessary without advance notice prior to deposit.

All rates published are per person as indicated and are based on double occupancy when only one rate is shown. Reservations will be accepted subject to availability at the time of request and will be considered confirmed only upon receipt of a minimum deposit. Child land rates are available and are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults.

Collette does not accept liability in the case of any passenger being denied boarding by any airline carrier due to the carrier’s overbooking of a flight. All cancellation charges, fees and refunds for any tour within this brochure are in effect as of the effective date as indicated on page 165 and supersede any other previously printed policies relating to these same charges.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER
Collette montiors security situations around the world as well as government travel advisories. Conditions may require Collette to change or even cancel trips. You accept the risks involved in travel, both foreign and domestic, and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions. Guests may be required to review and sign a participation agreement prior to engaging in certain activities on the trip

Neither Collette Travel Service, Inc., its affiliated entities and its and their employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively “Collette”), own or operate any person or entity which is to or does provide goods or services for these trips. You agree to be bound by the conditions of carriage for all transportation providers. Collette does not maintain control or operate the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers it uses and as such Collette assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the suppliers or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, or instrument owned, operated or otherwise used by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful or negligent act or omission on the part of any other party.

Client shall indemnify and hold harmless Collette Travel Service, Inc., its affiliated entities and its and their employees, agents, shareholders, officers, successors and assigns (collectively “Collette”), from all suits, actions, losses, damages, claims or liability for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity which is occasioned by any negligent acts or omissions of Collette arising out of any goods or services provided for this or these trips..

Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, lack of appropriate medical facilities or practitioners, weather, strikes, theft or other criminal acts, war, terrorism, computer problems, or other such causes. Other risks may arise such as, but not limited to, hazards of travelling in foreign countries including undeveloped areas, the hazards of travel by aircraft, bus, van, train, automobile or other motorized vehicle, differing safety standards, sickness, criminal acts committed by others, allergic reactions, and/or animal encounters. You are voluntarily participating in the tour and Collette, and as lawful consideration for the agreement to travel with Collette, you agree not to make a claim against Collette, its related companies, officers and employees for injuries, death, or any other claim and agree to release Collette, its related companies, officers and employees from any such claim. This release is binding on all members of your travelling party, as well as your Estate and heirs and this provision shall be enforceable even after your trip has ended. If you make your own air reservations, Collette is not responsible and shall provide no refund if your flight schedule changes so that you are not able to enjoy the entirety of your tour. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Collette reserves the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if Collette deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. Collette reserves the right to withdraw any tour announced. Collette reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by the Tour Manager to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant. If you are travelling with children, you are solely responsible for their behaviour and monitoring them throughout the tour. Neither does Collette accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable airline or other ticket to the tour departure city and return or otherwise. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owner at all times.

Collette is not responsible, and will not be bound by, representations made by third party representatives, travel agents, unaffiliated websites, or any other party.

Participants may be photographed for the promotional purposes of Collette. In addition, any comments that you submit as a review or your social media posts may be used for Collette’s promotional purposes.

Payment of the deposit to Collette constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. Collette reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time, without notice.

Consumer Protection Plans
Collette is a member of the following organizations: the National Tour Association, the United States Tour Operators Association, the Alliance of Canadian Travel Associations, the Travel Industry Council of Ontario, and the Association of British Travel Agents. Some of these associations operate a consumer protection plan to cover deposits placed with any tour operator member. Full details are available from these organizations or Collette. Collette is pleased to provide this additional protection to our clients.

Collette’s Travel Protection Plan

(for Canadian citizens or residents only*)

Following is an outline of the Non-Insurance Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver, Insurance Benefits and non-insurance assistance services that make up the Travel Protection Plan.

Part A Waiver Only provided by Collette Tours Canada, Ltd: The Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver is provided by Collette and is not an insurance benefit underwritten by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation. Payment of a per person Travel Protection Plan fee to Collette at the time of booking guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposits), except the Travel Protection Plan fee itself, for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Travel Protection Plan fee with air only covers airline tickets that you purchase from Collette.

Exception: If you originally purchased nonrefundable airline tickets, this Part A Travel Protection Plan does not provide a refund for any such nonrefundable airline tickets in the event of a cancellation. This air ticket may be covered by Collette’s Travel Protection Plan under Part B,
if you cancel your trip for covered reasons (see Part B for more details).

The Part A Waiver portion of Collette’s Travel Protection Plan protects you from penalties in the event you have a need to cancel your entire inclusive tour package up to the day prior to departure. The Part A Waiver portion of the Travel Protection Plan does not indemnify you from penalties if you choose to cancel partial tour components or air. If you choose to partially cancel your tour, you will be responsible for a revision fee as well as any penalties that are incurred at the time of the cancellation

Collette’s Part A Waiver portion of the Travel Protection Plan does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual’s travelling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. In this case, the single supplement will be deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. (However, the Part B Benefits referenced below include a single supplement benefit of $1,000 for certain covered reasons, as detailed in Part B.) Division of this charge between the two passengers involved is solely their responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the cancelling client, the travelling client will be charged the remaining portion of the single supplement.

The Travel Protection Plan fee is nontransferable and valid for each applicant (paying client) only. Collette assumes no responsibility for and cannot and will not be held liable for any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions of any travel agent or travel agency other than that of Collette Tours Canada, Ltd. and its own employees, directors and officers.

Where to Present Part A Claims

To request a refund under the Part A Pre-Departure Cencellation Fee Waiver portionf of the Travel Protection Plan, please call Collette and send any unused airline tickets to:

The Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver is provided by Collette and is not an insurance benefit underwritten by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation.

Part B Insurance Benefits provided by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation (*NOT AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS OF QUEBEC): On tour, travel protection benefits may provide coverage if you: must interrupt your trip or return home early for a covered reason; incur medical expenses for a covered sickness or injury; need a medical evacuation; suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more for a covered reason.

††This benefit is only applicable to Instant Purchase (Non-Refundable) Air Tickets and any single supplement penalties you are assessed if your Family Member or Travelling Companion has his/her Trip canceled and does not cover any other land, air or water arrangements.

**The Medical Expense/Emergency Assistance benefits of this plan are subject to a maximum benefit limit of $10,000 for those persons who at the time of a covered injury or sickness do not have valid hospital and medical insurance under a Government Health Insurance Plan of a Province or Territory of Canada.

PART B Exclusions & Limitations

Benefits are not payable for any loss due to, arising or resulting from: 1. suicide, attempted suicide or any intentionally self-inflicted injury while sane or insane; 2. an act of declared or undeclared war; 3. participating in manoeuvres or training exercises of an armed service; 4. riding, driving or participating in races, or speed or endurance contests; 5. mountaineering (engaging in the sport of scaling mountains generally requiring the use of picks, ropes, or other special equipment); 6. participating as a member of a team in an organized sporting competition; 7. participating in skydiving, hang gliding, bungee cord jumping, or scuba diving if the depth exceeds 130 feet or if You are not certified to dive and a dive master is not present during the dive; 8. piloting or learning to pilot or acting as a member of the crew of any aircraft; 9. being Intoxicated, as specifically defined in the policy, or under the influence of any controlled substance unless administered on the advice of a Legally Qualified Physician; 10. the commission of or attempt to commit a felony or being engaged in an illegal occupation; 11. normal childbirth, normal pregnancy (except complications of pregnancy) or voluntary induced abortion; 12. dental treatment (except as coverage is otherwise specifically provided herein); 13. amounts which exceed the Maximum Benefit Amount for each coverage as shown in the Schedule of Benefits; 14. due to a Pre-Existing Condition, as defined in the Policy. The Pre-Existing Condition Limitation does not apply to the Emergency Medical Evacuation or Return of Remains coverage; 15. a mental or nervous condition, unless hospitalized; 16. any rehabilitation or convalescent care; 17. treatment, services or expenses related to or resulting from travel in a specific country, region or city for which Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has issued a formal Travel Warning, before Your departure date, advising Canadians to avoid all travel to that specific country, region or city; or 18. Sickness or Injury resulting from a motor vehicle accident where You are entitled to receive benefits pursuant to any policy or legislative plan of motor vehicle insurance.

Non-Insurance Services

One Call 24-Hour Assistance Services
Global Xpi Medical Records ServicesPlease Note: Plan cost is based upon the cost of your trip. Benefits are described on a general basis only. The information in this brochure is only an outline of the coverage available, and is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy. Please refer to the policy wording for complete details. Plan benefits, limits and provisions may vary by province jurisdiction. You will receive a Description of Coverage and a Description of 24-Hour Emergency Assistance Services which describe the benefits and limitations in detail. To review full plan details online, go to: www.tripmate.com/wpCN426CThe Part B Insurance Benefits are underwritten by: Northbridge General Insurance Corporation, 105 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, ON M5H 1P9.
Payment for the plan(s) is required at time of purchase and is non-refundable once purchased. Prices and coverage are subject to change. For full plan details online, please visit: www.tripmate.com/wpCN426C (except for Cancel for Any Reason Waiver). This Part B travel insurance is underwritten by: Northbridge General Insurance Corporation: 105 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1P9. Benefits are administered by: Northbridge Claims Administration, c/o Active Care Management, Tel: 1.888.421.5378.
For specific questions regarding Travel Insurance or to report a claim, call the Claims Administrator: Northbridge Claims Administration at: 888.421.5378. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Collette’s Travel Protection Plan Pricing (per person)

The Cost of the Travel Protection Plan includes a Pre-Departure Cancellation Fee Waiver Provided By Collette Travel Service, Inc., insurance benefits underwritten by Northbridge General Insurance Corporation, as well as non-insurance assistance services provided by One Call Worldwide Travel Services Network, Inc. and Trip Mate.

Land Only Clients:

$95 adult/$95 child for all North America escorted tours under 6 days

$255 adult/$140 child for all North America escorted tours of 6 days or more

When purchasing pre- and post-night accommodations, including optional extensions, the number of days will be added to the total number of tour days, and may subsequently alter your Travel Protection Plan fees. Please confirm with your reservation agent at time of booking.

Air-Inclusive Clients (Flex Airfare is purchased through Collette)

$140 adult/child for all North America tours under 6 days

$295 adult/child for all North America tours of 6 days or more

$355 adult/child for all international tours (not otherwise listed below)

Collette’s Travel Protection Plan can only be purchased by individuals who have purchased Collette Flex Airfare or Instant Purchase nonrefundable air through Collette. Instant Purchase air and its associated taxes, fees and surcharges require full payment at time of reservation and are 100% nonrefundable. This air ticket is covered by Collette’s Travel Protection Plan under Part B, if you cancel your trip for covered reasons. Tickets may only be changed for a fee up to $300 plus any difference in airfare for travel in the following 12 months; specific fees and policies may vary by airline.

Oberammergau

These tour terms and conditions vary from our other programs.

Land Package Deposit

A non-refundable $500 deposit is required.

An additional $1500 is due one year prior to departure.

Air Inclusive Package Deposit

A non-refundable $750 deposit is required.

An additional $1500 is due one year prior to departure.

Final Payment

The balance is due 120 days before departure.

Cancellation Charges

Cancellations of confirmed bookings and transfers to new travel dates both result in penalties and fees assessed by travel suppliers. If you need to transfer or cancel for any reason prior to tour departure, the following cancellation fees will be assessed on your tour. Air is 100% nonrefundable once paid in full. If canceled prior to being paid in full, the following cancellation fees will also apply to air.

More than 120 days prior to departure – a nonrefundable deposit will be retained.

120 - 91 days prior to departure – 75% of total price will be retained.

90 days - 0 days prior to departure – 100% of total price will be retained.

Travel Protection Plan Pricing (per person)
Land Only:

$450 per adult/child for Oberammergau tours (must accompany 1st deposit and is non-refundable)

Air-Inclusive:

$550 per adult/child for Oberammergau tours (must accompany 1st deposit and is non-refundable)

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